My Oscar fish has recently layed eggs and now she's acting weird, why is she doing this?

Question

She used to eat a lot, but ever since she layed eggs she hasn't been the same.

Answer 1

I assume the eggs are still int he tank with her. She is acting differently because she is defending her eggs and won't stop even to eat regularly.

MM

Answer 2

Are/Were there 2 Oscars in the tank? If not, the eggs are sterile and should go from clear to white. The female will probably eat them before long. If they were viable the would hatch in 3 or 4 days. There is a bit of money in breeding/raising Oscars. There is also a fair amount of work and extra tanks/equipment involved.

As far as the behavior, it's not uncommon in egg-guarding fish. It's kind of interesting, really. The parents watch over this cloud of miniature fish, driving off predators, digging little pits to expose living foods for the fry, sometimes taking them into their mouth and giving them a good "washing" or just to move them from one place to the next.

Your fish will return to "normal" (for Oscars) after the eggs or young are gone.

Answer 3

She is probably a first time mother. This type of fish usually acts a bit strange when first laying eggs. It should start eating once the eggs hatch in order to feed the babies. If not just flush it down the toilet.

Answer 4

Oscars are totally "mommy" fish. She's a type of cichlid, and they are all known for taking excellent care of their babies. If you have other fish in the tank you need to TAKE THEM OUT if you want your young ones to have a better chance. This may also solve your problem. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it - that's what they do.

Answer 5

put a screen mesh where the eggs are so she wont eat them